Institute for Social & Cultural Research ISCR NICH

🇧🇿 “We are building a nation. We need three tools: a flag, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆, and a national anthem.” – Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price (1964)

In shaping a distinct national identity, British Honduras officially became 𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗭𝗘 on 1 June 1973. This historic transition was a significant step in asserting our sovereignty and advancing the path toward independence.

For more information, visit Access501:
Link: https://tinyurl.com/LetBelizeLive

Are you passionate about documenting cultural heritage?

We are looking for 20 volunteers to join the Belize Food Heritage Project in the Belize District!

Register NOW!

More details here: https://tinyurl.com/BZDistrict

The Belize Food Heritage Project successfully concluded its Toledo District-level workshop on May 23, marking another important step in safeguarding our culinary traditions.

As part of a hands-on inventory practicum, participants gained valuable field experience by conducting real-time interviews, applying skills learned during training, and using audio-visual tools to document local food traditions and knowledge bearers.

The practicum focused on two cherished dishes, Cohune Cabbage with Chicken Takari and Roast-Pork Caldo, both of which will be added to the National Inventory of Belize’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. The session highlighted the vital role of community participation and celebrated the invaluable knowledge of elders, the leadership of women, and the active involvement of youth in preserving Belize’s living heritage for future generations.

We encourage Belizeans across the country to help document and safeguard our diverse foodways. Special thanks to all participants, UNESCO International Assistance, and the Belize Ministry of Culture for their continued support of this important initiative. We also express gratitude to the Punta Gorda Welcome Center and the Belize Tourism Industry Association – Southern Chapter for hosting us and the collaboration of the Punta Gorda Town Council 2024-2027.

Be part of safeguarding Belize’s living heritage. If you are interested in participating in our Belize District workshop, contact us at [email protected] or register now, https://tinyurl.com/BZDistrict

Visit belizelivingheritage.org to learn more and to share your contributions.

From May 21-23, the Institute for Social and Cultural Research (ISCR/NICH) hosts its fourth district-level workshop under the Belize Food Heritage Project at the Punta Gorda Welcome Center in Punta Gorda Town.

The workshop brought together members of the Living Heritage Network from across the Toledo District as part of ongoing efforts to empower communities to document, celebrate, and safeguard our diverse food heritage and foodways.

Participants were introduced to the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, received an overview of the Belize Food Heritage Project, and explored key approaches to identifying and safeguarding living heritage within their communities.

We encourage Belizeans to actively participate in the inventory of our foodways. Special thanks are extended to our participants, the UNESCO international assistance, and the Belize Ministry of Culture for their continued support of this initiative. We also express gratitude to the Punta Gorda Welcome Center, the Belize Tourism Industry Association – Southern Chapter, and the Punta Gorda Town Council.

Be part of safeguarding Belize’s living heritage. If you are interested in participating in our other workshops, contact us at [email protected].

Visit belizelivingheritage.org to learn more or share your contributions.
Here are some highlights from days 1 & 2:

Toledo Tourism Belize - BTIA Toledo Punta Gorda Town Council 2024-2027

On May 9, 2026, the community of Bladen proudly participated in the opening of the Chocolate Festival of Belize in Bella Vista with the traditional Deer Dance.

A powerful expression of Belize’s living cultural heritage, the Deer Dance continues to bring together elders and youth in a meaningful celebration of stories, food, music, values, and identity. Through this cherished tradition, ancestral knowledge is passed from one generation to the next, strengthening community bonds.

The Ministry of Culture, through the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), is proud to support the Chocolate Festival and the community of Bladen in celebrating the Deer Dance tradition.

We extend appreciation to the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and the many individuals and families for their steadfast commitment to safeguarding the Deer Dance traditions.

Here are some highlights: